Inspirations

"Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." - John 10:7, 9-10

"The Christian faith is not true because it works. It works because it is true." - Os Guinness

PRAYER MOTIVATOR

"Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts." - James 4:3

"Some stand on tiptoe trying to reach God to talk to him – you try too hard, friend – drop to your knees and listen to him, he’ll hear you better that way." - Ever Garrison

SOUL-WINNING MOTIVATOR

"He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." - Mark 16:16

"Lost! Lost! Lost! Better a whole world on fire than a soul lost! Better every star quenched and the skies a wreck than a single soul to be lost!" - Charles Spurgeon

Academy Award® nominated actress Taraji P. Henson has been chosen to host BET’s #1 gospel music special, “Celebration of Gospel.” The multi-talented Taraji takes over the role as Steve Harvey, king of comedy and all things media, ends his historic 13-year run. Taraji will bring her own charming and high voltage personality to the stage as the best singers in gospel, R&B and pop music come together for one powerful night of television.

“I am thrilled to join the BET ‘Celebration of Gospel’ family. I look forward to a great evening of incredible music and continuing the rich history of BET and gospel music which started 14 years ago hosted by the talented and very funny Steve Harvey,” said Taraji Henson.

This year, “Celebration of Gospel” will feature even more captivating pairings between gospel and R&B artists including “American Idol” winner Ruben Studdard, “Sunday Best” winner Le’Andria Johnson, and soulful crooner Kem, who will join forces to raise the praise as a triumphant trio. Acoustic soul artist India.Arie will team up with Christian contemporary artist Jonathan McReynolds for a special performance. Female R&B group SWV and the renowned Rance Allen Group will also join together to anoint the crowd through song.

“Celebration of Gospel” will also offer dynamic duets by Donnie McClurkin and Tye Tribbett; Lalah Hathaway and Zacardi Cortez; and Chanté Moore and VaShawn Mitchell. A touching tribute to gospel music pioneer Richard Smallwood and rousing spoken word pieces from Pastor Shirley Caesar and Dr. Bobby Jones will also highlight the night.

“Since its’ inception, ‘Celebration of Gospel’ has brought together the best voices from both the secular and gospel music worlds to give praise like only they can,” said President of Music Programming & Specials, Stephen Hill for BET Networks. “This year is no exception because at the end of the day, everyone’s roots are in gospel music. A gathering of powerful singers like these on one show can only happen on BET.”

BET’s annual gospel music special, “Celebration of Gospel” tapes Saturday, March 15, 2014 at 7 p.m./PST at the Orpheum Theater in Los Angeles, CA, and will premiere on Sunday, April 6, 2014 at 8 p.m./EST.